Finer Coffee Grounds, Higher Antioxidant Content

How does coffee affect our health? According to a family medicine chief physician, coffee is rich in antioxidants, which help protect blood vessels and inhibit inflammation. As long as you keep your caffeine intake within a reasonable range and consider your personal constitution and needs, enjoying coffee can be beneficial.

A research team in the United States tracked the coffee-drinking habits of 80,000 people and found that consuming about 300 ml of coffee a day could reduce the risk of diabetes by 20%. Decaffeinated coffee was shown to be just as effective. Among the beneficial components is lignin, which promotes the utilization of sugar in the body and helps improve post-meal blood glucose levels. Other studies suggest coffee may lower the risk of breast cancer and Parkinson’s disease, as well as reduce uric acid levels, thereby decreasing the likelihood of gout.

Particle Size Affects Antioxidant Levels

The whirring sound of coffee beans being poured into the grinder and prepared for brewing fills the space with a rich coffee aroma. Some baristas prefer to grind beans by hand, carefully controlling the force applied to achieve the most exquisite flavors of the coffee.

How can we grind coffee beans to release more antioxidants? According to Ms. Hsiao (蕭如榆), coffee beans are rich in antioxidants, but these compounds are sensitive to oxygen and humidity. When beans are ground more finely, the increased surface area that comes into contact with water during brewing helps release more antioxidants. In contrast, coffee beans that remain coarsely ground will have a harder time releasing their antioxidant properties.

Simplicity of Ingredients Makes a Good Cup of Coffee

“A good cup of coffee is the one you enjoy, because drinking coffee is part of a lifestyle,” Ms. Hsiao says. Coffee beans come in numerous varieties, and consumers can choose based on their preferred flavor profile. However, she also reminds people to check the ingredients before drinking coffee. It’s best to opt for coffee with fewer additives. For instance, many three-in-one coffee mixes contain non-dairy creamer and high-calorie caramel, which should be consumed in moderation to avoid unnecessary strain on the body.

Freshly ground and brewed coffee offers the best flavor and nutritional benefits. If you can brew coffee at home, consider replacing sugar with honey or sugar substitutes, or use low-fat milk instead of non-dairy creamer. The amount added depends on your personal taste preferences.